Dogs are hands down some of the sweetest creatures on Earth.
Regardless of size, breed, or if they have suffered abuse and abandonment, all they want is to be loved.
Fascinating studies about dogs' unique brains and behaviors are being published all the time, like this one, which tested whether they can understand when we speak to them.
But this expert's recent theories about them has got us feeling mushy and emotional about our favorite animals all over again.
Recently, People interviewed Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a teacher and a clinical and evolutionary psychologist at Harvard Medical School, about whether animals can dream and, if so, what they dream about.
She believes dogs dream. As for what they dream about, her educated guess will seriously make your heart melt.
Check below to learn more about the interesting interview, it will only make you love your furry little baby even more!
[H/T: People]
One of the best things about dogs is that they're so loyal and loving.
No matter what, your furry baby will always be understanding, judgmental, and completely obsessed with you for loving them as much as you do.
And, per a People interview with Harvard clinical and evolutionary psychologist Dr. Deirdre Barrett, it would seem that they are just as adorable and loyal in their dreams.
It's hard to say for sure exactly what dogs or other animals dream about since they can't speak, but haven't you always wondered what is going on in their sleepy little heads?
Fortunately Dr. Barrett has been obsessed with dreams since she was little and is an expert in examining and speculating on what humans, cats, dogs, and even mice dream about.
She explained that many animals likely experience the deep stage of sleep in which dreams occur called rapid eye movement (REM), just like humans do.
The absolute most interesting and totally heart-wrenching part of the interview is when Barrett is asked what dogs experience when they dream.
"Humans dream about the same things they’re interested in by day, though more visually and less logically," she responded. "There’s no reason to think animals are any different. Since dogs are generally extremely attached to their human owners, it’s likely your dog is dreaming of your face, your smell, and of pleasing or annoying you."
So this means that your little baby likely dreams of your face, your cuddles, and your time spent together.
Since you are likely the most important person in your dog's life, their thoughts are constantly on you.
So you are in their waking thoughts and their dreams. How adorable is that?
She also mentioned that dogs, as well as children and adults, have a more pleasant dreaming experience if they get plenty of rest in calm, safe environments.
And as for when they do that cute thing where they run in their sleep?
Barrett believes that it may be “REM behavior disorder,” which allows them to move around in REM sleep and act out their dreams.
Though there were plenty of informative points made in the interesting interview, we can't help but harp on Barrett's sweet hypothesis that dogs are thinking of their owners in dreamland.
If you possibly need any more proof that dogs are the absolute sweetest, this science-backed speculation should be it!
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